A resolution acknowledging and apologizing for the mistreatment of, and discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service and committing to the pursuit of equal rights, protections, and respect for all LGBT servicemembers and Federal civil servants.

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 17 co-sponsors

The bill formally apologizes for past discrimination against LGBT service members and federal employees and commits to equal rights and fair treatment going forward.

Submitted in Senate

Overview

S. Res. 766 (119th Congress) is a Senate resolution that acknowledges and apologizes for the mistreatment, discrimination, and exclusion of LGBT individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service. It also commits to pursuing equal rights, protections, and respect for all LGBT servicemembers and federal employees. The resolution expresses a formal stance of condemnation of past discriminatory policies and reaffirms the government’s obligation to treat LGBT personnel with equal respect.

Purpose and intent

Acknowledge historical discrimination against LGBT individuals who served or worked for the U.S. government.

Offer a formal apology to affected service members, veterans, and federal civilian employees, as well as their families.

Condemn ongoing or past discriminatory practices within the armed forces and federal agencies.

Reaffirm the principle that LGBT service members and federal employees deserve equal treatment, rights, and protections.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1 — Acknowledgment and Apology

The Senate acknowledges discrimination, wrongful termination, and exclusion of LGBT individuals from the Federal civil service, the Foreign Service, and the uniformed services.
The Senate apologizes on behalf of the United States to affected individuals and their families.
It condemns efforts within any federal agency or the armed forces to discriminate against LGBT individuals.
It reaffirms the obligation to treat LGBT military members, veterans, and federal employees with equal respect and fairness.

Section 2 — Disclaimer

The resolution does not authorize or support any claim against the United States.
It does not serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States.

Who would be affected

LGBT individuals who served in the U.S. military, the Foreign Service, and Federal civil service, including veterans and retirees.

Families of those affected individuals.

Federal agencies, departments, and branches of the government as a formal expression of non-discrimination and equal respect policy, though the resolution itself does not create new legal rights or remedies.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced June 11, 2026 by Senator Kaine (and multiple cosponsors listed).

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for consideration.

The resolution is a symbolic, non-binding measure; it does not create enforceable rights or monetary remedies.

The “Disclaimer” clarifies that the resolution is not a settlement or basis for claims.

Context and significance

Acknowledges a long history of anti-LGBT policies (e.g., DOD bans on homosexual personnel, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, 2010 repeal, and continued discrimination in other federal agencies historically) and the impact on individuals and families.

Cites prior executive actions and legal developments that gradually expanded LGBT rights within federal service and the military.

Positions the United States as recognizing past harms and committing to equal treatment moving forward.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to similar apologies or commemorations by other countries or provide a plain-language brief for a general audience.